CBCP: Senate leadership change to raise suspicions amid flood control projects probe

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said a change in the Senate leadership will heighten public suspicion of a cover-up in the investigation of the corruption in flood control projects.

In a statement posted on CBCP News, CBCP president Caloocan Bishop Pablo Cardinal David said the bishops opposed "any attempt to pre-empt or derail the investigation through backroom deals, leadership takeovers, or selective justice.

They called on government officials to hold inquiries into the “flood control corruption scandal” with integrity.

“The Filipino people are watching closely. After the revelations of massive anomalies in flood control projects, any move to change Senate leadership or redirect investigations now would only heighten public suspicion of a cover-up,” David said.

“We strongly oppose any attempt to pre-empt or derail the investigation through backroom deals, leadership takeovers, or selective justice. A nation cannot heal when its moral arteries are clogged by corruption and self-interest,” he added.

Earlier today, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III expressed confidence that he still has the support of the majority of senators amid reports that some are planning to leave the majority bloc.

Last week, Senator JV Ejercito said he is thinking of leaving the majority bloc as he expressed disappointment in the Senate for seemingly forgetting the real culprits of irregularities in flood control projects.

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has expressed his continued support for Sotto’s leadership.

Lacson earlier said he was stepping down as chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee due to alleged dissatisfaction from other senators.

Transparency, prayer, public repentance

The CBCP also said the mandate of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) should include:

• Transparency in its proceedings, findings, and recommendations;
• Access to all necessary documents and witnesses, including those protected by political privilege;
• Public disclosure of budget insertions and project allocations, especially those tied to unprogrammed or duplicate DPWH projects;
• Protection for whistleblowers and technical personnel who come forward in good faith.

“We urge both Congress and Malacañang to prove that they serve the common good, not partisan power. Let the truth flow freely. Let the ICI do its work — thoroughly, transparently, and without fear or favor,” CBCP said.

The ICI is mandated to probe into the alleged anomalous infrastructure projects and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.

CBCP urged government officials to participate in the National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance.

“Only through truth can our nation begin to rebuild trust and ensure that flood control no longer becomes another flood of corruption,” CBCP said. –NB, GMA Integrated News